410 AZALEA INDICA. 



would be difficult now to find in any florist's catalogue ; thus 

 supplementary lists become necessary. 



AZALEA INDICA. 



In this popular plant there has been great improvement. 

 Although the old varieties are still cultivated, many of the 

 new seedlings, especially those produced by continental cul- 

 tivators, are superior to any of former years. 



In substance of flower, brilliancy of color, form, and 

 habit, they are far in advance of old varieties. 



The double-flowered kinds, although in our opinion by 

 no means as beautiful as the single, from the durability of 

 the flower are most valuable. . 



It is a great question, upon which cultivators differ in 

 opinion, whether the most effective way of growing azaleas 

 is by the natural or artificial system. 



In the former, the plant is allowed to grow as it will, too 

 luxuriant shoots only being pinched, and it soon forms a 

 spreading plant, which every year covers itself with flower. 

 In the latter, each shoot must conform to a required style of 

 growth, be it pyramidal, flat, or round, must be pinched in 

 or tied out, until the plant becomes a symmetrical shape of 

 green, hidden when in bloom by the mass of flower. 



To us the natural growth is far more pleasing, although, 

 perhaps, more brilliant effects are produced by the artificial. 



